Backpack pivot system

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a backpack comprising a frame for supporting one or more bags, a waist belt attached to the frame for supporting the frame around the waist of a backpack wearer, and a pivot system for attaching the waist belt to the frame to permit rotation of the waist belt with respect the frame, the pivot system comprising a bracket that is fixedly attached to the frame, and a single pivoting axle for attachment of the waist belt to the bracket.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/791,974, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention broadly relates to backpacks and more particularly to a pivot system for a backpack that permits rotation between a waist belt and a backpack frame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Backpacks often cause discomfort and pain on the part of the backpack wearer resulting from pressure points at any of a number of locations. This is especially so for heavy-load backpacks, such as those used by Special Forces and other military personnel in field missions. Typical areas of backpack wearer discomfort include the shoulders, hips and the back itself, which may become strained if too much of a load has been carried on the shoulders rather than on the hips, for an extended period of time.

Conventional heavy-load backpacks feature a frame member, shoulder straps and a waist belt that are formed in a single unit. It has been found that pressure points may develop due to a lack of flexibility between the waist belt and the frame member, which results in the pack not fitting as well as desirable. An additional problem associated with heavy-load backpacks is that conventional frame and suspension systems that are strong enough to support very heavy loads (e.g., in excess of 70 lbs) do not provide the flexibility necessary to follow the backpack wearer's body movements. Moreover, such frames do not provide for the natural motion of hips and shoulders to reduce fatigue.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a pivot system for a backpack that permits rotation between a waist belt and a backpack frame, whereby the pivot system allows the backpack wearer to have independent lateral movement, yet still carry the pack load distributed on the backpack wearer's hips. Accordingly, while wearing the backpack, the backpack wearer retains independent lateral movement without compromising load stability, and the wearer's weight transmission remains substantially constant on the hips during the normal range of lateral movement.

In accordance with the principles of the invention, a preferred backpack comprises a frame for supporting one or more bags, a waist belt attached to the frame for supporting the frame around the waist of a backpack wearer, and a pivot system for attaching the waist belt to the frame to permit rotation of the waist belt with respect the frame. The pivot system may comprise a bracket that is fixedly attached to the frame, and a single pivoting axle for attachment of the waist belt to the bracket. The pivoting axle may comprise a bolt that passes through the waist belt and the bracket, and permits rotation therebetween. The bracket may comprise a plate that is attached to the frame via a plurality of fasteners. According to the invention, the waist belt may include first and second slots dimensioned to receive first and second fasteners, respectfully, wherein the slots permit a predetermined amount of rotation between the waist belt and the frame. The waist belt may further comprise first and second notches dimensioned to receive third and fourth fasteners, respectfully.

In operation, the rotation of the waist belt with respect to the frame is in response to the backpack wearer's hip motion while carrying the backpack. In this regard, the pivot system of the invention comprises a torso pivoting system that articulates lateral torso flex movements of the backpack wearer. More specifically, the pivot system allows the backpack wearer to have independent lateral movement while wearing the backpack, yet still distributes the weight of the backpack on the backpack wearer's hips. The backpack wearer retains independent lateral movement while wearing the backpack without compromising load stability while wearing the backpack. Moreover, the backpack wearer's weight transmission remains substantially constant on the backpack wearer's hips during lateral movement.

A further embodiment of the invention features a backpack comprising a frame for supporting one or more bags, a waist belt attached to a lumbar pad panel that is rotatably attached to the frame for supporting the frame around the waist of a backpack wearer and a pivot system for attaching the lumbar pad panel to the frame to permit rotation of the waist belt and lumbar pad panel with respect the frame, the pivot system comprising a spacer that offsets a top portion of the lumbar pad panel from the frame. The spacer may comprise a bolt surrounded by one or more elastically deformable washers that reduces stress on the frame by allowing flexibility in otherwise rigid components wherein the bolt passes through the waist pad panel and the frame, and permits rotation therebetween. In addition, the spacer creates a predetermined angle between the waist pad panel and the frame, wherein the angle is selected to provide superior load transmission from the backpack to the backpack wearer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a backpack constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIGS. 2 a-2 c are rear views that illustrate a preferred pivot system for a backpack, in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b are rear views that illustrate the preferred pivot system for a backpack while being worn by a backpack wearer, in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 4 a is a rear view illustrating a backpack wearer in a stationary position while wearing the preferred pivot system, while FIG. 4 b is a rear view illustrating the backpack wearer in a dynamic position while wearing the preferred pivot system, in accordance with the principles of the invention; and

FIG. 5 is a side view that illustrates an additional pivot system for a backpack, in accordance with the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following paragraphs, the present invention will be described in detail by way of example with reference to the attached drawings. Throughout this description, the preferred embodiment and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than as limitations on the present invention. As used herein, the “present invention” refers to any one of the embodiments of the invention described herein, and any equivalents. Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of the “present invention” throughout this document does not mean that all claimed embodiments or methods must include the referenced feature(s).

The present invention is directed to a pivot system for a backpack. By way of example, the backpack may comprise an adjustable modular bag including a semi-rigid frame for suspending and carrying a variety of loads attached directly to the frame. The semi-rigid frame of the backpack may be utilized with a variety of pack bags and other load carrying modules to safely and comfortably transport very heavy and/or awkward loads. The pivot system of the invention incorporates a pivoting, reinforced waist belt to accommodate active body movements of the backpack wearer. The pivot system may further incorporate a variable adjustment system to provide proper back length adjustment for various body types.

The backpack pivot system described herein has been developed to meet the requirements of Special Forces and other military personnel in field missions. These missions may include both extended and shorter durations, and may require a variety of load requirements, including the ability to attach non-standard items directly to the backpack for transportation over significant distances.

Referring to FIG. 1, in accordance with the principles of the invention, a backpack 100 comprises a frame 105 for supporting one or more bags 120, 125, 130, shoulder straps 110, and a waist belt 115. The waist belt 115 preferably is attached to the frame 105 via a backpack pivot system 200 that permits rotation of the waist belt 115 with respect the frame 105. In the illustrated embodiment, the backpack 100 comprises a modular bag system including a frame 105 for supporting three bags including a top pocket 120, a main bag 125, and a sleeping bag 130. The bags 120, 125, 130 may be attached to the frame 105 by way of one or more straps 135. In the exemplary embodiment, all three bags 120, 125, 130 integrate into a single unit that offers quick access to gear, as well as the ability to carry a stable load. The top pocket 120 may comprise a ditch pack that is releasably attached to the frame and main bag 125, while the sleeping bag 130 is also releasably attached to the frame 105. It should be understood to those of ordinary skill in the art that many other bag configurations (e.g., single bag or double bag systems) may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 2 a-2 c, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the backpack pivot system 200 is interposed between the frame 105 and the waist belt 115, such that the waist belt 115 is rotatable with respect to the frame 105. More particularly, the pivot system comprises a bracket 205 that is fixedly attached to the frame, and a single pivoting axle 210 for attachment of the waist belt 115 to the bracket 205. The bracket 205 may comprise a plate that is attached to the frame 105 using a plurality of fasteners 215 a, 215 b, 215 c, 215 d. By way of example, the fasteners may comprise bolts, screws or other conventional fasteners. The pivoting axle 210 may comprise a bolt that passes through the waist belt 115 and bracket 205, and permits rotation therebetween. According to some embodiments of the invention, the backpack pivot system 200 may further incorporate a variable adjustment system to provide proper back length adjustment for various body types.

With further reference to FIGS. 2 a-2 c, the waist belt 115 includes a pair of notches 225 a, 225 b for receiving fasteners 215 a, 215 b, respectfully. Additionally, the waist belt 115 includes a pair of slots 230 a, 230 b for slidably receiving fasteners 215 c, 215 d. Specifically, the slots 230 a, 230 b permit a predetermined amount of rotation between the waist belt 115 and the frame 105. In FIG. 2 a, the pivot system 200 is illustrated in a first orientation wherein the waist belt 115 is disposed substantially horizontally (i.e., substantially parallel to the ground such that fasteners 215 c, 215 d are disposed substantially in the middle of the corresponding slots 230 a, 230 b). This orientation is typical when the backpack wearer is standing still with both feet on the ground such that there is no hip movement to cause a rotation of the waist belt 115 with respect to the frame 105.

Referring to FIG. 2 b, a second pivot system orientation is depicted, wherein the waist belt 115 has been rotated in a clockwise direction (as indicated by arrows 235) with respect to the frame 105. This rotation may be in response to the backpack wearer's hip motion while carrying the backpack 100 of the invention. In this orientation, fastener 215 a is disposed substantially within cutout 225 a, while fasteners 215 c, 215 d have moved to one end of their respective slots 230 a, 230 b, such that the waist belt 115 is restricted from further clockwise rotation. In other words, cutout 225 a and slots 230 a, 230 b act as stops that limit clockwise rotation of the waist belt 115.

Referring to FIG. 2 c, a third orientation is depicted, wherein the waist belt 115 has been rotated in a counterclockwise direction (as indicated by arrows 240) with respect to the frame 105. Again, this rotation may be in response to the backpack wearer's hip motion while carrying the backpack 100 of the invention. In this orientation, fastener 215 b is disposed substantially within cutout 225 b, whereas fasteners 215 c, 215 d have moved to the other end of their respective slots 230 a, 230 b. The waist belt 115 is restricted from further counterclockwise rotation because cutout 225 b and slots 230 a, 230 b act as stops that limit the overall counterclockwise rotation of the waist belt 115.

Referring to FIGS. 3 a and 3 b, the preferred pivot system of the invention comprises a torso pivoting system that employs a single pivoting axle 210 for the waist belt 115 to articulate the lateral torso flex movements of a backpack wearer W. Specifically, FIG. 3 a depicts the counterclockwise lateral torso flex movements of the backpack wearer W, as illustrated by counterclockwise arrow 250. To accommodate this movement, the waist belt 115 rotates in a counterclockwise direction about pivoting axle 210, as indicated by counterclockwise arrow 255. FIG. 3 b depicts the clockwise lateral torso flex movements of the backpack wearer W indicated by clockwise arrow 260. To accommodate this movement, the waist belt 115 rotates in a clockwise direction about pivoting axle 210, as illustrated by counterclockwise arrow 265.

Referring to FIG. 4 a, a backpack wearer W is depicted in a stationary position wherein the backpack wearer's body is substantially at rest, as indicated by line 275, which is disposed in a substantially horizontal orientation. In this position, there is little to no rotation of the waist belt 115 about the pivoting axle 210. The lack of rotation is indicated by line 280, which is also disposed in a substantially horizontal orientation such that it is substantially parallel to line 275.

Referring to FIG. 4 b, the backpack wearer W of FIG. 4 a is depicted in a dynamic position (e.g., while walking), wherein the backpack wearer's right leg R is planted on the ground, as indicated by arrow 285. In addition, the backpack wearer's left leg L is in the process of taking a step, as indicated by arrow 290. This motion causes the backpack wearer's hips to rotate in a clockwise direction, as indicated by arrows 295, such that line 275 is tilted with respect to a horizontal line 278 toward the backpack wearer's right leg R, indicating the hip cant angle of the backpack wearer W. In this position, the waist belt 115 has been rotated in a clockwise direction (as indicated by arrows 300) in order to accommodate for the lateral torso flex movements of the backpack wearer W. Arrow 305 illustrates the downward movement of the right side of the waist belt 115, whereas arrow 310 illustrates the upward movement of the left side of the waist belt 115. In the illustrated embodiment, the clockwise rotation of the waist belt 115 is depicted by line 280, which is now canted with respect to a horizontal line 283 toward the backpack wearer's right leg R at substantially the same angle as that of line 275.

The pivot system 200 of the invention allows the backpack wearer to have independent lateral movement, yet still carry the pack load distributed on the backpack wearer's hips. Additionally, while wearing the backpack of the invention, the backpack wearer retains full independent lateral movement without compromising load stability. Moreover, the backpack wearer's weight transmission remains substantially constant on the hips during the normal range of lateral movement.

Referring to FIG. 5, in accordance with the principles of the invention, a backpack 400 comprises a backpack frame 405 for supporting one or more bags (not shown), shoulder straps 410, and a waist belt 415 attached to a lumbar pad panel 425. The waist belt 415 preferably is attached to the frame 405 via a backpack pivot system 420 that permits rotation of the waist belt 415 with respect the frame 405. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot system 420 comprises a spacer 430 that offsets a top portion of the lumbar pad panel 425 from the backpack frame 405. By way of example, the spacer 430 may comprise a bolt surrounded by one or more elastically deformable washers, such as rubber or plastic washers, wherein the bolt passes through the waist belt 415 and the frame 405, and permits rotation therebetween As would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the waist belt 415 may be offset from the frame 405 using scrims or other suitable spacing elements without departing from the scope of the invention.

With further reference to FIG. 5, a downward angle A is created in the waist belt 415 because the top of the lumbar pad panel 425 is offset from the frame 405. The downward angle A is preferably selected to provide superior load transmission from the backpack 400 to the backpack wearer's body by closely conforming the lumbar pad and waist belt to the shape and angle of the lower back shelf and hips of the backpack wearer. Washers and other spacing elements made from materials of varying durometer (i.e., rubber softness) help reduce the stress on the frame 405 by allowing flexibility in otherwise rigid components. Such spacing elements also serve as a shock absorbing mechanism between the backpack wearer's lower back area and the backpack frame 405.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not of limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams may depict an example architectural or other configuration for the invention, which is done to aid in understanding the features and functionality that may be included in the invention. The invention is not restricted to the illustrated example architectures or configurations, but the desired features may be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Indeed, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative functional, logical or physical partitioning and configurations may be implemented to implement the desired features of the present invention. Also, a multitude of different constituent module names other than those depicted herein may be applied to the various partitions. Additionally, with regard to flow diagrams, operational descriptions and method claims, the order in which the steps are presented herein shall not mandate that various embodiments be implemented to perform the recited functionality in the same order unless the context dictates otherwise.

Although the invention is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead may be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” should be read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms “a” or “an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or the like; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future.

A group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, although items, elements or components of the invention may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated.

The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. The use of the term “module” does not imply that the components or functionality described or claimed as part of the module are all configured in a common package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of a module, whether control logic or other components, may be combined in a single package or separately maintained and may further be distributed across multiple locations.

Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described in terms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives may be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed as mandating a particular architecture or configuration. 

1. A backpack, comprising a frame for supporting one or more bags; a waist belt attached to the frame for supporting the frame around the waist of a backpack wearer; and a pivot system for attaching the waist belt to the frame to permit rotation of the waist belt with respect the frame.
 2. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the pivot system comprises a bracket that is fixedly attached to the frame, and a single pivoting axle for attachment of the waist belt to the bracket.
 3. The backpack of claim 2, wherein the pivoting axle comprises a bolt that passes through the waist belt and the bracket, and permits rotation therebetween.
 4. The backpack of claim 2, wherein the bracket comprises a plate that is attached to the frame via a plurality of fasteners.
 5. The backpack of claim 4, wherein the waist belt comprises first and second slots dimensioned to receive first and second fasteners, respectfully.
 6. The backpack of claim 5, wherein the slots permit a predetermined amount of rotation between the waist belt and the frame.
 7. The backpack of claim 5, wherein the waist belt further comprises first and second notches dimensioned to receive third and fourth fasteners, respectfully.
 8. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the rotation of the waist belt with respect to the frame is in response to the backpack wearer's hip motion while carrying the backpack.
 9. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the pivot system comprises a torso pivoting system that articulates lateral torso flex movements of the backpack wearer.
 10. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the pivot system allows the backpack wearer to have independent lateral movement while wearing the backpack, yet still distributes the weight of the backpack on the backpack wearer's hips.
 11. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the backpack wearer retains full independent lateral movement while wearing the backpack without compromising load stability while wearing the backpack.
 12. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the backpack wearer's weight transmission remains substantially constant on the backpack wearer's hips during lateral movement.
 13. The backpack of claim 1, further comprising a shoulder strap for supporting a portion of the weight of the backpack on the backpack wearer's shoulders.
 14. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the backpack comprises an adjustable modular backpack for carrying a plurality of bags.
 15. The backpack of claim 14, wherein the plurality of bags comprises a top pocket, a main bag, and a sleeping bag.
 16. A backpack, comprising a frame for supporting one or more bags; a waist belt attached to a lumbar pad panel that is rotatably attached to the frame for supporting the frame around the waist of a backpack wearer; and a pivot system for attaching the lumbar pad panel to the frame to permit rotation of the waist belt and lumbar pad panel with respect the frame, the pivot system comprising a spacer that offsets a top portion of the lumbar pad panel from the frame.
 17. The back pack of claim 16, wherein the spacer comprises a bolt surrounded by one or more elastically deformable washers that reduces stress on the frame by allowing flexibility in otherwise rigid components.
 18. The back pack of claim 17, wherein the bolt passes through the waist pad panel and the frame, and permits rotation therebetween
 19. The backpack of claim 16, wherein: the spacer creates a predetermined angle between the waist pad panel and the frame; and the angle is selected to provide superior load transmission from the backpack to the backpack wearer.
 20. A backpack, comprising a frame for supporting one or more bags; a waist belt attached to the frame for supporting the frame around the waist of a backpack wearer; and a pivot system for attaching the waist belt to the frame to permit rotation of the waist belt with respect the frame; wherein the pivot system comprises a torso pivoting system that articulates lateral torso flex movements of the backpack wearer. 